Cops urged to probe death of man allegedly beaten in prison

The family claims drug suspect Gopal Krisnan Rajalinggam did not have any health issues before his detention.

GEORGE TOWN: An activist alleged that a 21-year-old man placed in the remand prison at Sungai Petani, Kedah, died today from beatings he received in prison.

Seberang Perai councillor and rights activist P David Marshel said Gopal Krisnan Rajalinggam was pronounced dead at Sungai Petani Hospital at 2.30pm after he was warded for an unspecified ailment last Wednesday.

“Gopal had told his mother and girlfriend (while in prison) that he was often beaten by the wardens for no reason and this was relayed to them every week when they came to visit,” he said in a statement.

David said Gopal, who was being investigated for a drug offence, was arrested in Penang on May 12 and placed at the remand prison while waiting for his next case mention.

He said that when the family visited him in hospital, he was unconscious and had wounds on both his arms. Parts of his body were also swollen.

“When the family asked the doctor what was wrong, the doctor told them he had lung infection. He never woke up,” he said.

David said the family called him for help as Gopal did not have any health issues before his detention.

“We are watching this case closely as many are dying in custody in our prisons,” he said.